57th Annual GMA Dove Awards
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DateOct 06, 2026
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Event Starts6:30 PM
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Doors Open5:00 PM
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AvailabilityOn Sale Now
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Parking
Symphony Place Parking
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Premium Options
Showings
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Buy TicketsOct 06 / Tuesdayat 6:30 PM
Event Info
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced the nominees for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, celebrating the best in Christian and Gospel music. Phil Wickham earns nine nominations as this year's top male artist nominee, while CeCe Winans leads all female artists with seven. Both are joined in the Artist of the Year
category by Brandon Lake, Josiah Queen and Lauren Daigle.
Eight-time Dove Award winner Tauren Wells will return to host the Dove Awards for the fourth consecutive year, marking one of the longest hosting runs in the show's history. This year Wells also serves as an Executive Producer of the show and is a two-time nominee himself, in addition to taking the stage as a performer.
"The Dove Awards are more than just an awards show. The promise of scripture is if two or three people come together that Jesus is in our midst. We know this isn’t about trophies; it’s about elevating the name of Jesus and celebrating those who have done that very well this year. I’m so grateful to be back hosting and I cannot wait to get back on that stage, it’s truly an honor." said Wells.
Behind the scenes, the creative forces shaping this year's biggest Christian and Gospel records earned even deeper recognition: Jonathan Smith leads all nominees with 14 nominations, followed by Jacob Sooter with 12 and Steven Furtick with 11. Their work threads through several of the year's most nominated songs and albums. Alongside them, a new generation is making its own mark: this year's New Artist of the Year nominees, bodie, Emerson Day, Jamie MacDonald, Megan Woods and SEU Worship, represent some of the fastest-rising voices in the genre.
This year's theme, "Together For One," is inspired by Colossians 3:14: "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
“Every year, the Dove Awards bring the diverse voices of the Christian music community together to celebrate the God we all serve, and that's exactly the heart behind this year's theme, 'Together For One.' This year's class of nominees embodies that spirit, creating life-changing music that continues to unite people across the globe,” said Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association.
The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts
Foundation, will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are on sale now.
Returning alongside the awards show, the Dove Awards Music City Fan Experience gives fans an immersive weekend built around Christian and Gospel music. Packages include:
- Premium seating at the Night of Worship at the Ryman Auditorium, featuring Elevation Worship
- New Artist of the Year Showcase, featuring the nominees of the New Artist of the Year category
- The Drop: exclusive previews from artists and creators in faith-based entertainment
- Riverboat lunch cruise with artist and songwriter performances
- Three-night stay at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown
- Round-trip transportation to all Fan Experience events
- Premium seating for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards
A limited number of Fan Experience packages are available HERE.
For the complete list of nominees across all 39 categories, visit doveawards.com.
BetMGM Sports Lounge
Bag Policy
For enhanced safety and speed of entry, we strongly discourage guests from bringing bags to events. All fans are urged to arrive early and travel light.
If a bag is necessary, the following restrictions and processes apply:
- Backpacks of any size are considered prohibited items and are NOT allowed into the arena.
- Bags that measure larger than 12”x12”x6” are prohibited and are NOT allowed into the arena.
- Bags that measure between 6”x4”x1.5” and 12”x 12”x6” (including clear bags and Nashville Locker Room bags) are subject to x-ray screening and visual inspection.
- Bags that measure smaller than 6” x 4” x 1.5” may proceed through express screening lanes for visual inspection.
- Diaper bags and bags needed for medical reasons are allowed but will be subject to x-ray screening.
- We kindly ask that you reach out to Bridgestone Arena Customer Service (accessibilityservices@powersmgmt.com) 24 hours prior to your event if you want to arrange for additional accommodations before arrival.
Reminder: Patrons with prohibited items will not be permitted entry to the arena. Bridgestone Arena does not provide on-site storage. Guests are asked to plan accordingly and allow for extra time when arriving at Bridgestone Arena.
Exceptions to this bag policy may be made for extenuating circumstances such as medical needs and diaper bags. Please contact Bridgestone Arena if you require additional information or guidance at customerservice@nashvillepredators.com or 615-770-2000.